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The Cardinal Edge

Program/Event

Undergraduate Research Showcase Spring 2025

Abstract

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a North American perennial grass that is able to tolerate high heat and droughts. This is possible by its extensive underground root network that taps deep into the ground for resources. Within the same soil systems are fungal endophytes, which are symbionts that live within plant tissues including roots. Fungal endophytes can affect host growth and nutrient acquisition, but the functional role these endophytes play in plant health may be dependent on the abiotic conditions the plant is facing. In the modern era, one large driver of abiotic conditions is synthetic fertilizer use which alters key macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Little is known how increased rates of nutrients will change interactions between plants and their fungal endophytes. Based on previous research, this independent study examines how different levels of phosphorus may affect how fungal root endophytes aid Little Bluestem growth. We expect that high levels of phosphorus will induce the plant to restrict colonization, as the fungus will no longer be needed to help with nutrient uptake. To test this, we performed a factorial experiment in the greenhouse to test two endophyte species inoculated into plants challenged with three different treatments of phosphorus application. In addition, we inoculated our endophytes on media infused with three corresponding phosphorus levels. While we continue to analyze our results, preliminary findings show that high levels of phosphorus may be slowing the growth rate of one endophyte. Our study’s findings may implicate how abiotic conditions such as synthetic fertilizers can affect fungal colonization in plants such as Little Bluestem.

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